Ceres High School’s varsity football team dropped its home opener, 36-0, to Lodi Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.
The Bulldogs lost by shutout for the second consecutive week.
Central Valley defeated Ceres High 35-0 on Aug. 17.
“We had a good week of practice,” Bulldogs senior lineman Elias Saldana said. “I really thought it would pay off.”
Ceres High fell to 0-2 on the year.
Lodi improved to 1-0.
“We lost. We’re not going to dwell on it. We’re looking forward to the next game. There’s still greatness to be achieved.”Bulldogs senior lineman Elias Saldana
“We lost,” Saldana said. “We’re not going to dwell on it. We’re looking forward to the next game. There’s still greatness to be achieved.”
The Bulldogs generated just 144 yards of total offense in defeat.
Ceres High quarterback Felipe Martinez completed 4 of 13 passes for 71 yards and three interceptions while starting in place of Clayton Taylor, who suffered a season-ending leg injury the previous week.
Martinez rushed for a team-leading 48 yards on 18 carries.
“It’s Felipe’s first time playing quarterback,” Saldana said. “It’s a tough job. He takes that responsibility very serious. He’s putting time in after practice. It proves he wants to get better and win for the team.”
Andrew Alcala led the Bulldogs’ receiving corps with a 53-yard reception.
Angel Padilla caught one pass for 17 yards.
Ceres High showed grit early in the game.
The Bulldogs thrilled their fans by forcing a turnover on downs with a goal-line stand.
“We were all excited,” Saldana said. “We thought it was going our way. I truly thought we were going to win the game.”
Lodi proceeded to reel off 23 consecutive points to end the half.
The Flames outscored the Bulldogs 13-0 after intermission.
“It’s not like we lost our fire,” Saldana said. “We all played as hard as we could. Everyone has to work together and understand how to do their job the right way.”
Ceres High will play at West of Tracy on Sept. 7.
“I’m glad we have a bye week,” Saldana said. “That means we have an extra week of practice. We can change everything up. I won’t be satisfied until we score and win a game. All the coaches can do is prepare us. It’s the team’s job to execute on the field.”
